Abraham P. Houng, MD, Named Chief Academic Officer at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

RWJBarnabas Health, the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, has announced that Abraham P. Houng, MD, MSE, FACS, FABA, Medical Director of The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, has also been named Chief Academic Officer at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC).

"Since rejoining CBMC in February 2025 as Medical Director of The Burn Center, Dr. Houng has continued to distinguish himself as an outstanding and respected surgeon, inspiring excellence and advancing the delivery of burn care in the region," said Richard L. Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBMC. "In the additional role of Chief Academic Officer, he will focus on initiatives that reflect our commitment to excellence in medical education, clinical training, and scholarly achievement."

"I am looking forward to partnering with all of our faculty and trainees, along with our colleagues at Rutgers Medical School, as we work together to advance the academic mission of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center," explains Dr. Houng. To further strengthen our academic environment, Dr. Houng plans to implement a new set of academic initiatives designed to strengthen residency training, expand educational innovation, partner with the Nursing Department to implement new educational opportunities, and elevate the Medical Center's research enterprise.

Dr. Houng, a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, specializes in the treatment of burns, burn surgery, and surgical critical care. Prior to rejoining CBMC, he served as faculty in the Department of Surgery, Division of Burns, Critical Care and Trauma for Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Additionally, he served as the Fellowship Director and Associate Program Director for surgery training programs. He previously served as Attending Surgeon and Associate Program Director for CBMC, then Saint Barnabas Medical Center, and as a partner with Burn Surgeons of Saint Barnabas.

Dr. Houng graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor of science degree in Bioengineering. He received his master of science in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree from Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School. He completed his residency in general surgery at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and went on to complete his fellowship in burn surgery and surgical critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Houng is an active member of many prestigious medical and surgical societies, including the American Burn Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journals and book chapters.

ABOUT RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state's largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers, with more than 43,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit https://www.RWJBH.org

ABOUT THE BURN CENTER AT COOPERMAN BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER
The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is the only state-certified burn treatment facility in New Jersey, and one of the largest in North America. With 12 Intensive care beds and an 18-bed step-down Unit for less critically injured patients. The Burn Center provides expert care for patients of all ages. For more information about The Burn Center, click here or call 973-322-5920.